Minnesota's electoral evolution from a solidly blue state to one that's at least a shade of purple has some wondering if presidential candidates may spend more time -- and money -- in the North Star State.

Candidates, of course, will maintain that Minnesota is crucial.

But projected campaign spending indicates that it isn't yet among the 13 consensus toss-up states, at least according to an analysis by the National Journal's Reid Wilson, who lists Las Vegas, Orlando, Charlotte, Washington and Columbus as hot 2012 markets, meaning North Carolina, Virginia and Nevada have joined Ohio, Florida and other swing states.

Political and journalism junkies may regret that Minnesota isn't stepping into the limelight.

But for those who already can't seem to escape the debates, it may be a relief. Nielsen reports that in 2010, political ads added to the commercial clutter at astounding levels in markets like Columbus, where more than 24,000, or 23 percent, of October TV commercials were campaign-related.

John is an editorial writer and columnist. His weekly Rash Report column analyzes media news and trends. His focus on foreign policy as an editorial writer has taken him on reporting trips to China, Japan, Turkey, Rwanda, Kuwait and Kazakhstan. John was the recipient of a 2014 Society of Professional Journalists Page One Award for editorial writing. John's commentary can be heard Fridays at 8:20 a.m. as well as weekly on "Playing Politics," a podcast from the Editorial Board and WCCO-AM (830), the CBS radio affiliate in the Twin Cities. Prior to joining the Editorial Board, John was a senior vice president, director of media analysis for Campbell Mithun, a Minneapolis-based national advertising agency. He is a graduate of the University of Minnesota, and has been an adjunct faculty member at the U's School of Journalism and Mass Communication. He lives in St. Louis Park with his wife and two children.Follow @RashReport